2007:
* Mayor Boughton suggests that commission members comprise three Democrats, three members of the GOP, and three Independent members.
* Boughton also suggests that letters for recruitment be sent to the head of the Democratic Town Committee and Danbury CT Republican Town Committee. He described these measures as essential for transparency and for the public's trust in the process.
* There were NO elected officials on the commission, and the then Council President (Joe Cavo) was invited to participate as a commission member.
* The commission members were approved a month AFTER the council approved the initiation of the charter review process (process approved July 2007; membership approved Sept 2007).
* Mayor Boughton WAS PRESENT at the ad-hoc committee to make his case for opening the charter for revision.
2024:
* Mayor Alves presents his pick for commission (via letter) BEFORE the council votes to initiate the charter revision process.
* No information was provided by the mayor's office regarding who was involved in the vetting or recruiting process.
* No effort was made by the Alves administration to seek members from the GOP town committee.
* Mayor Alves WAS NOT PRESENT at the ad-hoc committee to make his case for charter revision.
* The majority of Mayor Alves' recommended list of members were active supporters of his campaign and/or were former Democratic candidates for office.
Peter Buzaid: D - Council Prez. D candidate 2023, Alves supporter;Facts.Ellen VanDyke Bell: D - candidate 2021, Alves supporter;
Brigid Guertin: D - candidate 2023, Alves supporter;
Wilson Hernandez: D - candidate 2021, Alves supporter;
Mini Santosh: D - candidate 2023, Alves supporter.
On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of aday laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.
